Abstract

"Nanocontact printing is an experimental methodology that facilitates the quick reproduction of a large number of nanopatterns and nanodevices. In this study, I present a novel, low-cost and straightforward nanocontact printing process, which facilitates the patterning of millions of protein dots and makes it suitable for the general scientific community. Such characteristics set it apart from other methods previously reported to form surface-bound nanopatterns. A novel algorithm was also introduced in order to form complex digital nanodot gradient (DNGs) with a record dynamic range, widely exceeding previous reports."

Sébastien Ricoult's work constitutes a tipping point in terms of ease of use that will drive the widespread adoption of nanocontact printing by a diversity of researchers, similarly to what occurred with microcontact printing of proteins in the early 2000s. Protein nanopatterning will result in the advancement of fields such as microarray analytics, biosensors, or tissue engineering. In the domain of biomedical sciences, the implementation of certain protein patterns will give a more accurate insight into processes such as the migration of cancer cells and the response of bacterial cells to different concentrations of antimicrobial agents. These findings will potentially improve palliative care of cancer metastasis or neurodegenerative disorders, the development of materials with superior bacterial resistance and the healing of debilitating spinal cord injuries.